NSW’s best accommodation providers honoured at 2026 industry awards
From luxury city hotels to regional motels, the Accommodation Australia NSW Awards celebrated the businesses and people setting the benchmark for the state's accommodation sector.
The best of New South Wales’ accommodation sector was celebrated at the 2026 Accommodation Australia NSW Awards for Excellence, with properties, hospitality venues and industry professionals recognised for outstanding service, innovation and leadership.
Hosted by television presenter Catriona Rowntree, the gala attracted more than 750 guests to The Fullerton Hotel Sydney on Thursday, July 16, where hotels, motels and accommodation providers from across metropolitan, regional and luxury markets were honoured for their achievements.
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Accommodation Australia NSW General Manager Stacey McBride said this year’s awards attracted a record 383 nominations across 41 categories, highlighting the strength and diversity of the state’s accommodation sector.
“These are hotels which lead the way in innovation, in staffing and in service and the task of narrowing down the finalists in each category was extremely difficult for our team of independent judges,” McBride said.
“I congratulate all the winners for their commitment to our industry, their commitment to serving people and for their huge contribution to the NSW economy.
“The winners were not just some of the state’s best hotels, but would rank amongst some of the premier venues in the world.”
Among the night’s major property awards, Park Hyatt Sydney was named Luxury Hotel of the Year, while Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park claimed Metropolitan Deluxe Hotel of the Year. Spicers Sangoma Retreat took out Regional Deluxe Hotel of the Year, Hilton Sydney was named Metropolitan Superior Hotel of the Year and Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges won Regional Superior Hotel of the Year.
Other notable property winners included Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour as Mid-Range Hotel of the Year, Ovolo Woolloomooloo, which claimed Best Boutique Accommodation Experience for the second consecutive year, Meriton Suites Sussex Street for Best Apartment Style Accommodation, Berrima Bakehouse Motel for Best Budget Style Accommodation and The Grace Hotel for Best New or Redeveloped Venue.
Read: NSW’s finest shine at the 2025 Accommodation Awards for Excellence
The Property Achievement Awards recognised excellence in innovation, sustainability, training and community engagement. Rydges Newcastle won Best Innovation Project, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney received Outstanding Achievement in Training, Sydney Harbour Marriott was recognised for Best Environmental/Sustainability Practices, Rydges Resort Hunter Valley won Best Health & Wellbeing Practices, Crown Resorts Sydney was named Best Conference & Events Venue, Park Hyatt Sydney received Best Marketing Activity and Schwartz Family Co. was honoured for Outstanding Community Contribution.
The People Awards recognised excellence across every area of hotel operations. PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney’s Jeroen Meijer was named Executive of the Year, while the Chef of the Year award was shared by Anthony Fullerton from Circa 1876 and Jason Huynh from Shangri-La Sydney. Shangri-La Sydney also celebrated Industry Rising Star Lukas Loth.
Other people award winners included Dean McWhinney from The Grace Hotel as Concierge of the Year, Rizza Timbol from Comfort Resort Leura Gardens as Housekeeper of the Year, Travin De Hoedt from Capella Sydney as Pastry Chef of the Year, Ava Milton from Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for Employee Excellence in Service and Yi Ding from Swissôtel Sydney as Engineer of the Year.
The Experience Awards showcased excellence in guest experiences across dining, bars and wellness. Boiler House at The Hydro Majestic Hotel won Best Casual Dining Experience, Talk Shop at Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney was recognised for Best Hotel Breakfast, Gowings at QT Sydney was named Restaurant of the Year (Deluxe-Luxury Hotels), while The Workshop Kitchen at Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges won Restaurant of the Year (Mid-Range-Superior Hotels). W Sydney’s 29/30 was awarded Bar of the Year (Deluxe-Luxury Hotels), Zephyr at Hyatt Regency Sydney won Best Outdoor Experience and Auriga Spa at Capella Sydney was recognised for Best Health Spa & Wellness Experience.
One of the evening’s most significant moments was the induction of Greg Maguire from Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges into the Accommodation Australia NSW Hall of Fame, recognising his longstanding contribution to the state’s accommodation industry.
The gala event was attended by NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car and Shadow Tourism Minister Kevin Anderson.
See the full list of the winners HERE
